Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Ray Shero and the Pens once again made several key moves at the deadline this year, hopefully picking up exactly what they need to go deep into the playoffs.

Here's a list of Penguins trades:

February 11

Team: St Louis Blues

Who We Got: Defenseman Steve Wagner

Who We Gave: Defensemen Nate Guenin

This was little more than a swap of minor leaguers before the Olympic roster freeze, though it has seemed the Pens have gotten the better end of this deal so far. Wagner has added some depth to a struggling WBS Pens defense, and though he is hurt now, should continue to be a factor when he returns.

March 1

Team: Florida Panthers

Who We Got: Defenseman Jordan Leopold

Who We Gave: 2nd round draft pick

Leopold looked solid in his Pens debut vs Buffalo next to Alex Goligoski, and looks like he can not only contribute defensively, but offensively as well. He brings an element of physicality to the table as well, as he is not afraid to agressively check and go after the puck. I believe it was a very good addition by Ray Shero.

March 2

Team: Toronto Maple Leafs

Who We Got: Winger Alexei Ponikarovsky

Who We Gave: Winger Luca Caputi, Defenseman Martin Skoula

This was the "mini-blockbuster" deal that many people expected out of Ray Shero for nearly a month now. The Pens were obviously in need of a large power forward possibly to compliment Evgeni Malkin, and Ponikarovsky, or "Poni", fits that bill perfectly. Caputi will be greatly missed in Wilkes Barre, but the deal was for the best.

March 3

Team: Toronto Maple Leafs

Who We Got: 6th round pickWho We Gave: Defenseman Chris Peluso

Not really much significance to this deal, as Peluso has never even been with the Wilkes Barre Scranton Pens, much less Pittsburgh.